POTUS 2016
William & Mary President Taylor Reveley sent the following messages to the campus community regarding the 2016 presidential election – Ed.
Nov. 11, 2016
Dear William & Mary Community,
There have been reports of people being harassed on or near campus in the wake of last Tuesday’s election. As we all know, harassment for any reason is flatly unacceptable at William & Mary. It constitutes a serious violation of campus policies and our core values. It must stop. We are a very diverse but very welcoming community, where each of us matters. Please report any instances of which you’re aware, with sufficient detail to enable the university to investigate and take remedial action. Reports can be made to: WMPD (call 911 or 221-4596); reportconcern@wm.edu, or the Dean of Students Office (221-2510).
Taylor Reveley
Nov. 10, 2016
Dear William & Mary Community,
In 1800 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson competed for the presidency in a very close and savage campaign. The contending political parties were convinced that the success of the other would destroy our fledgling Republic. But the Republic has proved remarkably resilient. I have great personal confidence in the future of the United States and in its capacity to keep growing as an open and welcoming society.
There is no doubt that the recent campaign was enormously divisive and dispiriting. Emotions on our campus now run high, ranging from fear and despair at one end of the continuum to excitement and satisfaction at the other. It is important that we talk with one another about what we think and feel, but it is vital that we do so with respect and concern for one another. That is the William & Mary way.
I take heart from the gracious tone and substance with which the two former candidates and President Obama have spoken to us in the wake of the election. The President was particularly eloquent. He captured the core reality when he noted that, when all is said and done, presidential elections are simply intramural competitions, because we are all ultimately on the same team.
Students, many of you voted in your first presidential election. Some from our campus campaigned or served at polling stations. It matters that we stay engaged. The civic health of our communities, states and nation requires it. Each of us needs to seek common ground for the common good.
Taylor Reveley